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A woman turns her anger into advocacy after marrying a man who lied about his HIV status. (Published Friday, Feb 12, 2010)

Updated at 12:35 PM CDT on Thursday, Sep 1, 2011

Lots of businesses have been forced to shutter their doors permanently lately -- it's a sad sign of the times.

But it needn't be done hastily, or without regard for loyal customers whose patronage unfortunately wasn't enough to keep things in the black.

Wedded Betrayal

A woman turns her anger into advocacy after marrying a man who lied about his HIV status. (Published Friday, Feb 12, 2010)

Priscilla of Boston, a 65-year-old high-end bridal boutique with locations in Oakbrook Terrace and elsewhere across the country, is offering a reminder that when you go, you don't have to leave tumbleweeds or people scratching their heads behind.

The store's 19 locations will remain open until December 31, 2011: "So that we can complete our service to the brides and their parties we have already had the pleasure of meeting," reads the announcement on Priscilla's website.

Big Wedding Cakes Are Out

The reasons for calling it quits weren't disclosed, although the website hosts a lengthy FAQ brimming with specific instructions on how customers with standing orders can pick up their dresses, what to do if your dress was due in after December, and how to handle every other complication that this news potentially could bring about.

A spokesman for David's Bridal, Priscilla's parent company, told The Boston Globe that the stores are closing so resources can be reinvested into its 307 David's Bridal stores.

Oftentimes business owners might be ashamed to close up shop and publicly admit they failed, but this is a great example that you can go off into the sunset, and in a classy way to boot.